2nd Cancer at 74

Rockgarden

I found this site while Googling for answers for my mom who was diagnosed with IDC in Nov and had lumpectomy in Dec. Shes 74 yrs old. This is her 2nd cancer. She had DCIS 33 yrs ago. Her treatment was lumpectomy and radiation for 4 months. The new cancer is on the other side. I have never had breast cancer, I had ovarian cancer at ago 26. My tumors were 6in and 4 in. I was lucky that all I needed was surgery, its been over 20 years. My mom is very brave but Im crumbling inside. Im an only child of a single parent and I have no children. My mom and my husband are my best friends. My moms surgeon has to go back in and remove more tissue because her margins were not clean. She is going to have sugery then start 3 weeks or 15 radiation treatments afterwards. My gut feeling is just no to so many radiation treatments. It just doesnt feel right. She went in for a routine mammogram. The technician folded her skin and pinched her. My mom asked ger to stop in a panic and she walked away to continue the mammogram. Afterwards my mom was in pain for a few days itchy and then there was a lump at the spot where she was pinched. They called her back in and took more mammograms then biopsies all in that same spot where she was pinched the results were positive in one sample and here we are now. She had 2 lymph nodes removed they found 1mm spot in one. Er + Pr - and borderline hers2. I cry every time i read posts on this site. Im very thankfull that there is a site like this. Ive learned a lot and it gives me hope. Thank you all for sharing so much and for reading this.

Falconer

Rockgarden,

Your mom is lucky to have you. I totally understand your concern as my mom had BC 20 plus years ago and the fear of recurrence is still there even tho she is 77. Treatments are different in some ways today. Peace be with you both as you go through this difficult time.

Moderators

Hi RockGarden, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry to hear of your mom's diagnosis, but we're really glad you've found us. As you can already see, our Community is full of helpful, supportive members, always willing to lend an ear, advice, and encouragement.

We're sure your mom's doctors have taken her age and viability into account before offering their treatment advice. We know it can be hard to watch a loved one go through so much, but trust in her treatment team will go a long way! Also, there's always the option of a second opinion, if you think there could be a less aggressive approach.

We hope this helps and we wish you and your mom the best during her treatment journey. Please keep us posted! We're all here for you both.

--The Mods

Georgia1

Hi Rockgarden and I understand how scary this must be for you. It sounds like your mom is getting good medical care. 15 radiation treatments is actually on the low side, and while the second surgery is unfortunate it will be worth it to be sure they get all of the mass. Treatment is a lot better than it was 33 years ago, so hang in there and let us know how we can help.

KBeee

I'm sorry your mom is dealing with this. My mom had cancer in 1992 and then again 2 years ago (on the other side). Because you've had ovarian cancer and your mom has had breast cancer twice, hopefully both you and your mom have had genetic testing. It is important, because if it is positive, she may want to consider mastectomy, and then she will likely not need radiation. It is important for you to know as well so you can take preventative action if necessary.

AliceBastable

My mom was 85 when she had radiation for breast cancer, the long 7 week treatment. She had to drive to a neighboring town every day for the rad sessions. She did fine, other than getting a bit tired, which happens to just about anything doing rads, no matter what age. If your mother is otherwise in good health and reasonably active, don't be too overprotective.

Beaverntx

Rockgarden, I was 77 when diagnosed with BC and had surgery and 5 weeks of radiation. Other than staying at home for several weeks during our really bad flu season last year, it was very manageable. I drove myself to all the radiation appointments.

Sorry your mother is dealing with a second round of cancer but there is much to provide hope. 33 years ago I was a practicing women's health nurse and I can assure you my experiences as a BC patient have been much more positive than those I knew about that long ago -- and I say that having just been through the anticipatory stress of my one year "anniversary" mammogram and ultrasound (all is OK, by the way). May you and your mother be saying the same thing this time next year.

wallycat

I admire and envy you older ladies! May many of us reach your milestones. Congrats and what role models!! Thank you so much for sharing.